Peace Corps Launches Digital Library

WASHINGTON, D.C., December 18, 2009 Director Aaron S. Williams is pleased to announce the launch of Peace Corps Digital Library a searchable collection of electronic Peace Corps materials from 1961 to the present and invites current and returned Peace Corps volunteers (RPCVs) to share their unique service experiences through firsthand narratives and personal photos.

As the Peace Corps approaches its 50th anniversary in 2011, the Digital Library is a living collection that represents the agencys legacy of public service. Since 1961, nearly 200,000 Americans have served with the Peace Corps to promote a better understanding between Americans and the people of 139 host countries. The digital library can be accessed at http://collection.peacecorps.gov.

The Peace Corps has always been an agency rooted in shared experiences the volunteers share their perspective and expertise while our host-country communities share their languages, friendship and culture, said Director Williams. This unique collection will educate and inspire the next generation of volunteers. I look forward to watching the collection grow in scope and depth as the nearly 200,000 Americans who have served with the Peace Corps share their photos and stories.

Current volunteers and RPCVs can contribute up to five photos and one story to the Digital Library via online submission forms. The Digital Library is searchable through several built-in features. Visitors can either browse the Digital Librarys individual collections or search by keyword, the host country name, or a specific period of time. The individual collections include press briefings; congressional reports and legislation; posters and graphics; speeches essays and letters; newsletters; volunteer stories; volunteer photos; brochures; and agency photos.

The Digital Library is a work in progress. In addition to the submissions from volunteers, Peace Corps is digitizing historic materials like speeches, reports, press releases and photos to add to the library. The Digital Library is not a comprehensive archive of Peace Corps historical materials. For additional in-depth research, resources are available through The National Archives and Records Administration, and The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library.

This website is a valuable educational resource in the commemoration of the Peace Corpss 50th anniversary. With the exception of a few items on the library marked with copyright restrictions, the materials of the digital library can be used for publications, exhibits, and events.

As Peace Corps approaches its 50th anniversary, its service legacy continues to promote peace and friendship around the world with 7,671 volunteers serving in 76 host countries. Historically, nearly 200,000 Americans have served with the Peace Corps to promote a better understanding between Americans and the people of 139 host countries. Peace Corps Volunteers must be U.S. citizens and at least 18 years of age. Peace Corps service is a 27-month commitment. To learn more about the Peace Corps, please visit our website www.peacecorps.gov